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Health officer outlines fall clinics, Narcan distribution and staffing plans
Summary
Health Officer Devangi Patel told the board the department plans about 10 fall flu clinics (Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 major events), pop-up clinics, distribution of roughly 200 free COVID test kits, a Sept. 26 Narcan distribution day, multiple blood drives, recruitment for a state-required public health planner, and continued vector-borne surveillance; the board recorded routine approvals and adjourned.
Health Officer Devangi Patel gave a multipart update to the Montgomery Board of Health on Sept. 11, outlining fall vaccination clinics, COVID-test-kit distribution, overdose-prevention activities, blood drives, staffing changes and routine surveillance work.
Patel said the health department expects roughly 10 flu clinics this fall and will partner with local pharmacies (SkillsCare Pharmacy, Amwell Pharmacy and School Health Pharmacy) along with public-health nurses and surge vaccinators. Two larger clinics are scheduled at the Otto Kauffman Community Center: Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon and Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. The department asked for one additional vaccinator for the Oct. 9 clinic.
The department has received about 200 free COVID test kits and plans to distribute them — prioritizing seniors and other residents in need — at back-to-school nights and community events. Patel said pop-up clinics will be held at Montgomery Crossings and Pike Run once the appointment system is finalized.
For opioid-overdose prevention the health department will participate in Save a Life Day (Narcan distribution) on Sept. 26, with events at the Municipal Building (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) and the Pike Run clubhouse (4–6 p.m.). The department is partnering with the American Red Cross for a community blood drive on Sept. 29 (9 a.m.–2 p.m.; about 38 appointments to date) and noted an additional drive Sept. 21 at Montgomery Evangelical Free Church.
Patel said the department has posted a state-required public health planner position (responsibilities include community health needs assessment/data analysis, public health preparedness, and critical social services response) and is reviewing resumes. She introduced a new intern, Adrija Gadamseti, who will help with a food-insecurity inventory, smoke-free-air compliance and reaccreditation work.
Patel also summarized vector-borne surveillance: the department tracks reports weekly (week 35 at the time of the meeting) and is past the seasonal peak; she referenced statewide West Nile virus reports (noting six cases statewide this year versus 14 at the same point last year and two elderly deaths reported in the state) and said the state issued informational material but did not direct local public-health action. The department will continue routine education and surveillance.
Other items: Patel announced a New Jersey Transit public hearing on senior and disabled transportation assistance (Central Region hearing Oct. 17, 6–8 p.m., Island Branch Library; in-person and virtual options; comments may be emailed to publichearings@njtransit.com by 11/01/2024) and said the animal-control contract with Animal Control Solutions expires at year-end and will be discussed at the Oct. 10 township committee meeting.
The board approved its consent agenda earlier in the meeting and adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
